Description
Deputy Chief of Police
Florida State University – Tallahassee, FL
Florida State University (FSU) invites nominations and applications for the position of Deputy Chief of Police. FSU is one of the nation’s most prestigious research universities and one of the largest and oldest institutions in the State University System of Florida with nearly 44,000 students and approximately 6,600 employees.
This is an exciting opportunity for an accomplished law enforcement leader to join a respected university and help shape the future of campus safety. The Deputy Chief will serve as a strategic partner to the Chief of Police, providing leadership in daily operations while supporting long-term vision and innovation. This role offers the chance to make a lasting impact by advancing the principles of 21st Century Policing, strengthening community trust, and fostering a culture of respect and accountability.
The Florida State University Police Department (FSUPD) is a fully accredited agency serving the Tallahassee and Panama City campuses with approximately 91 sworn officers and numerous professional staff. Over the past five years, FSU has invested more than $25 million into FSUPD, upgrading and expanding the police fleet, acquiring modernized equipment, and implementing cutting-edge artificial intelligence technology to enhance public safety. The University has also committed to building a state-of-the-art dispatch center to strengthen emergency response and campus security. These sustained investments underscore FSU’s proactive approach to ensuring a safe environment for students, faculty, staff, and visitors.
The Department is organized into three bureaus—Operations, Professional Standards, and Criminal Investigations & Intelligence (which includes a Real-Time Crime Center)—each led by a Police Captain reporting directly to the Deputy Chief. The Deputy Chief of Police is a senior executive leader responsible for supporting the Chief of Police in all aspects of departmental operations. This role provides strategic oversight of FSUPD’s core bureaus
The Deputy Chief will play a vital role in reinforcing the Chief’s vision, ensuring operational excellence, and fostering a safe environment for all members of the FSU community.
Requirements
Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree and six years of sworn law enforcement experience
Must meet the requirements of Section 943.13, Florida Statutes
Valid Florida or Georgia driver’s license (or ability to obtain prior to hire)
Preferred: Experience at a large university
Compensation & Application
FSU offers a competitive compensation package with salary commensurate with experience, a robust total rewards program, and special risk benefits under the Florida Retirement System. Relocation assistance may be available.
Applications should include a cover letter, comprehensive resume, and five professional references. Review of applications will begin immediately and continue until the position is filled.
Please view the full position profile at www.publicsectorsearch.com.
Confidential inquiries should be directed to:
Public Sector Search & Consulting, Inc. – (916) 789-9990
Gary Peterson, President – (916) 622-5323 (Mobile)
Justin Doll, Senior Consultant – (907) 748-5746 (Mobile)
